45,000 Jehovah's Witnesses fill Detroit's Ford Field

DETROIT, MI -- The roar of the raucous crowd at Detroit Lions Ford Field was replaced by a respectfully quiet, well-dressed crowd of nearly 45,000 Jehovah's Witnesses this weekend.

Men and women walked the concourse with black-lettered signs that read, "Quiet," to remind attendees.

The free international convention drew followers from as many as 10 countries, including Australia, Canada, Albania, Hungary, Germany, Ghana and New Zealand.

There are 193 Jehovah's Witness conventions scheduled this year throughout the world and an estimated 8 million followers of the religion founded in the late-1800s.

"That is his personal name," said Donald Ray Guinn, an "overseer" for the convention, explaining the religion's name. "Just like my name is Donald, (God's) name is Jehovah."

The event took place on the north end of downtown Detroit, while on the south end at Hart Plaza, Motor City Pride Festival celebrated homosexuality.

"If they wanted to come here, they would be welcome," said Guinn. He wouldn't comment on how Jehovah's Witnesses perceive homosexuality, beyond saying they follow the Bible strictly, adding that the topic is a "source of much controversy."

There was no dress code, but most men were in suits with ties and the women in dresses.

"Because we represent our God, we want to reflect kindly upon him," said Guinn, but "all are welcome."

The event, which began Friday and runs through Sunday, included plays, speeches, prayers and various lectures.

The lights were dimmed and many read along in their Bibles as a man read scripture from an area on the football field.

Prior to this year, the convention was held in Toledo, Ohio.

"We rented this venue because what other venue in the area is as nice as Ford Field," said Guinn. "This was the perfect place to come to."

Most people, who are not part of the religion, know of Jehovah's Witnessed because of their door-to-door evangelism.

"In following the example of Jesus Christ, we do go door to door and talk to the people about the Gospel," said Guinn. "Our desire is to go out and proclaim the message and if the person want to listen to it, please, but if they say they are not interested we very kindly wish them a good day and move on."

Guinn asked to escort MLive while inside the convention area.

Brittany Newsome, 22, of Farmington Hills, clutching a silver bible and cell phone, said she attends a couple Jehovah's Witness conventions each year.

"For this one we come, we sit down and we learn about the Bible, and we discuss different topics int the Bible how they apply to our everyday and how we can apply the scripture in our life and how we can teach others," said Newsome, who met Jehovah Witnesses from Germany, Africa, Canada and New Zealand Saturday. "It gives you joy, it invigorates you and you want to share it with others ... and it helps us to keep going and get through those problems."